Back Clinic Chiropractic Spine Care Team. The spine is designed with three natural curves; the neck curvature or cervical spine, the upper back curvature or thoracic spine, and the lower back curvature or lumbar spine, all of which come together to form a slight shape when viewed from the side. The spine is an essential structure as it helps support the upright posture of humans, it provides the body with the flexibility to move and it plays the crucial role of protecting the spinal cord. Spinal health is important in order to ensure the body is functioning to its fullest capacity. Dr. Alex Jimenez strongly indicates across his collection of articles on spine care, how to properly support a healthy spine. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
When you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, whether you are going on a long trip or your job requires you to drive around town all day, it can be a real pain � in the back. Many car seats may be comfortable for short rides, but they are not built to support the back on the long hauls. However, there are some things that you can do to offset a non-back friendly seat design and alleviate, or even prevent, back pain while driving.
Create a Comfortable Space
Before you settle in behind the wheel, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Keeping things like your wallet and cellphone in your pocket may be convenient when you are moving about, but can be an irritant when you are sitting on them mile after mile. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Any discomfort can put stress on your body so even if it is not necessarily pain related, it can exacerbate pain as your body�s sensitivity heightens in response to the pressure.
Adjust your seat so that you are comfortable, but sitting reasonably upright. If you recline, it could put stress on your neck and upper back, causing pain. Your seat should also be high enough so that you can place your feet flat on the floor � at least for a while (you can do this while driving if you have cruise control). There should be a slight bend in your elbows as you reach for the steering wheel and you should not have to stretch to reach the pedals. Make sure that your mirrors are adjusted so that you don�t have to bend or crane your neck to get good visibility.
Put Together a Healthy Back Kit
Bring along some things to help keep your back comfortable and pain-free � even if you�ve never experienced back pain while driving. There is always a first time. Some of the items you might want to bring along include:
A towel that you can roll up and place behind the small of your back
A lumbar support pillow
A cold or hot pack
Something for pain relief
A cushion for your car seat to absorb the vibration
Water (so you can stay hydrated)
Essential Oil like lavender or peppermint (put a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the sore areas)
Take Breaks and Move a Little
Driving straight through without any breaks is never a good idea. It can make you more tired, stiff and sore � and less alert on the road. Instead, take breaks to get out of the car, walk around, and stretch. When you move, you stimulate your circulation which brings oxygen and vital nutrients to your muscles. You�ll feel better, be more alert, and will be less likely to experience back pain.
Stopping every hour or so will help considerably with alleviating back pain. It doesn�t have to be a big production, walk around for a few minutes, stretch your neck, shoulders, and back, then get back on the road. In between stops you can move your ankles up and down or rotate them to increase circulation to the lower leg. You should also adjust your position or your seat about every 20 minutes. Even these slight movements can help keep the blood flowing which will prevent your muscles from getting stiff and sore.
Regular chiropractic care, as well as a consistent exercise routine, can help prevent back pain in many situations, including while driving. Your chiropractor can also recommend some back strengthening exercises and stretches that will help make your spine even healthier.
Are you struggling with your symptoms of MS on a regular basis? Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease where the human body’s own immune system attacks the fatty myelin coating which surrounds and insulates nerve cells, a process called demyelination. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include fatigue, muscle spasms, walking problems, and tingling sensations and numbness.
According to various research studies, improved strength, flexibility, and mobility from participating in physical activities and exercises help decrease the risk of bone fractures and other ailments in people with MS. One research study also indicates that improper nutrition and a lack of physical activity and exercise are the most frequent risk factors for people with multiple sclerosis.
Another research study on the benefits of exercise for multiple sclerosis was printed by researchers from the University of Utah in 1996. The participants of the research study developed a more positive mindset, increased their strength, flexibility, and mobility, experienced less fatigue, improved their bowel, bladder, and cardiovascular function, and developed fewer symptoms of depression.
Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis
A fitness program ought to be designed under medical supervision and may be adjusted as MS symptoms change. Patients with MS should engage in physical activities and exercises several times each week and avoid workouts for extended periods of time. Patients with MS can still do tasks around the home. Examples of everyday tasks include cooking, gardening, and�other household tasks.
Exercises that can help manage MS symptoms include:
Yoga. This type of physical activity/exercise features becoming aware of your breathing to help relax your body and mind. Benefits of yoga include enhancing the human body’s alignment, improving your own balance. Yoga also teaches you relaxing techniques, like meditation, which you could use during a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI scan, or receiving an injection.
Tai Chi. This Chinese martial art teaches you how to breathe, relax and slow down your movements. Furthermore, Tai Chi can also help improves your balance, further helping to manage and support muscle tone, as well as help relieves stress.
Water exercises. Physical activities/exercises performed in water require less effort. This helps people with MS move in ways that they would otherwise not be able to perform properly. Benefits of water exercises include muscle relaxation, enhanced flexibility, better movement, improved strength, and reduced pain. These concentrate on improving aerobic resistance.
Healthcare professional used to recommend that people with MS avoid exercise entirely for fear of aggravating their symptoms. Now, evidence indicates that regular exercise not only improves quality of life for people with MS, but it might also help alleviate symptoms and decrease the risk of complications in the future. Exercise can be beneficial for anyone, even for people with multiple sclerosis.
According to many healthcare professionals, physical activity and exercise are one of the most essential elements of treatment for multiple sclerosis or MS. While many patients with MS often avoid exercise, thinking it will aggravate their symptoms, research studies have demonstrated that exercise can actually help improve symptoms. As described in the following article, physical activity can help improve strength, mobility, and flexibility. Furthermore, physical activity can have various other health benefits for MS, including improved bowel and bladder function as well as enhanced mood and decreased fatigue. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Getting Started with Exercise for MS
Kathleen Costello, a nurse practitioner and associate vice president of medical care for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, recommends seeking the support of a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, to determine which physical activities or exercises would be beneficial for patients with MS. Benefits of exercise for multiple sclerosis include:
Less Fatigue
Various kinds of physical activities and exercise can improve fatigue. This is a frequent complaint among individuals with MS. A research study on yoga for people with MS discovered that yoga is as superior as other kinds of exercise in lowering fatigue. Another research study discovered that eight months of water exercise decreased fatigue and improved quality of life in women with MS.
Better Mood
Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing, or bicycling, has been shown in several research studies to enhance mood in people who are depressed. One research study discovered that the benefits also apply to adults with neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, especially when physical activity guidelines are met. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, of moderate-intensity physical activities or exercises each week, in addition to including at least two workout routines involving muscle strengthening exercises for MS.
Better Bladder Control
Among the research studies on the benefits of exercise in people with MS, one review found that 15 months of aerobic exercise helped to enhance bowel and bladder function in people with MS. A small pilot research study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014 discovered that a yoga program also afforded better bladder control among individuals with MS.
Stronger Bones
Weight-bearing physical activities and exercise, such as walking, running, or using an elliptical machine, can help strengthen bones and may protect against osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that raises the possibility of fracturing bones. A lot of people with MS, or multiple sclerosis, are at risk of developing osteoporosis due to a combination of factors, including:
Low blood levels of vitamin D, the nutritional supplement that works with calcium to protect bone health
A history of taking corticosteroids, drugs used to treat MS flares that can lead to low calcium levels in the bloodstream
Mobility difficulties, which might make a person least likely to engage in different forms of exercise
Low body weight
At the same time, people with MS occasionally have balance conditions which make them more vulnerable to falling, a significant cause of broken bones. Finding a means to take part in exercises and physical activities which can help strengthen the bones is therefore important for preserving bone density and helping to prevent fractures, especially in people diagnosed with MS.
Weight Management
If symptoms of MS result in decreased physical activity or exercise, among one of the consequences, may include weight gain, which can make it even harder for you to get around. The use of corticosteroids can also lead to weight gain. Engaging in physical activities or exercise can help slow down or stop weight gain. Regular exercise can also benefit people who are underweight. Along with other benefits described above, physical activity or exercise may also increase appetite in people who are underweight.
For a lot of people, MS means changes in the physical activities or exercises they can perform and in how they will be able to execute them, however, it doesn’t imply that their lifestyle will come to a standstill. Work with your healthcare professional to discover the actions that suit you best and the assistive devices that could keep you moving with MS. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex JimenezR
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
The lumbar spine, or lower back, takes a lot of stress and strain throughout the day. The spine provides stabilization for the entire body, and the lumbar spine bears the brunt of much of the movement and activity. This wear and tear show up as lower back pain in many people. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 31 million Americans have low back pain at some point in their lives. The leading cause of disability is low back pain � not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
What is the Lumbar Spine?
Located in the lower back area, the lumbar region is the portion of the spine that begins below the shoulder blades, about five or six inches, at the lordosis (where it curves in toward the abdomen). Five vertebrae make up the lumbar spine, L1 through L5 � which also happen to be the largest unfused vertebrae in the entire spinal column. The lower vertebrae bear more weight than the upper vertebrae, so they are constructed to be sturdier, but are also more prone to injury and degradation.
The L5 vertebra meets the S1 (the sacrum) at the lumbosacral joint. It is this joint that provides most of the range of motion including rotational flexibility of the hips and pelvis, allowing them to swing during movement such as running and walking.
The spinal cord ends at around the L1 and many nerve roots that originate at the spinal cord form what is called the cauda equine. These nerves travel down the spine, branching out to the legs, buttocks, and feet. The appearance resembles a horse�s tail, hence the name. Because the spinal cord does not extend into the lumbar area, the chance of a problem with the lower back resulting in paralysis or damage to the spinal cord is very rare.
Lower Back Pain
The most common causes�of lower back pain are soft tissue injuries and mechanical problems. Either of these can damage the intervertebral discs, compress the nerve roots, and inhibit the�correct function of the spinal joints so that they don�t move properly. Lower back pain is most commonly caused by a pulled or torn muscle or ligament, known as a sprain or strain. These injuries can have some causes, including:
Prolonged improper posture
Improper lifting of something heavy (without using your legs)
Sports injuries, particularly those where the player sustains high impact or where a lot of twisting is involved
Lifting while twisting the spine
A fall or movement that occurs suddenly and puts a great deal of stress on the lumbar area
Chiropractic Care for the Lumbar Spine
Chiropractic care is a prevalent, effective treatment for lower back pain. A chiropractor can help patients manage their back pain through spinal adjustments and lifestyle advice. They may recommend supplements, exercise, and dietary changes. The whole-body approach to chiropractic makes it an optimal choice for many people, especially those who don�t want to take medications or undergo invasive procedures.
The chiropractic treatment itself usually involves spinal manipulation and mobilization. Spinal manipulation is the technique that most people think of when they think of chiropractic. It of a short lever, high-velocity arm thrust applied directly to the vertebra that is injured or is causing the pain. This technique typically relieves pain, improves the function of the spine, and restores the back�s range of motion. Mobilization is a low-velocity movement performed by the chiropractor to manipulate the area, stretching and moving the joints and muscles.
These techniques typically restore range of motion and flexibility to the spine while reducing pain. For people with chronic lower back pain, chiropractic care can be a game changer.
Back pain can be debilitating. A patient can find they have trouble moving or engaging in regular activities like lifting their children or even walking. Pain in the mid to upper back can be caused by a variety of issues, and it can have a significant impact on a person�s quality of life. Many people see chiropractors to get relief from their back pain, but there are some things that chiropractic patients should know so that they can get the most out of their treatments.
What is the Thoracic Spine?
Twelve vertebrae make up the thoracic spine which is located just above the lumbar spine and just below the cervical spine. It is often referred to as the upper back. This part of the spine has several essential functions. The ribs connect with this portion of the spine, and it also is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.
The thoracic spine also differs from the lumbar spine and cervical spine. Instead of curving inward (lordosis) as those areas do, it curves outward (kyphosis). This provides the freedom of movement that allows a person to bend forward and touch their toes. It does not allow for much bending backward; that typically comes from the lower back.
Many nerves extend from the thoracic spine. They control organ function for the major organs, including:
T1 to T4
Heart
Esophagus
Upper body muscles
Lungs
Larynx
Part of the arms
Trachea
Esophagus
T5 to T10
Gallbladder
Diaphragm
Small intestine
Appendix
Liver
Kidneys
Suprarenal gland
Stomach
Spleen
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
T11 to T12
Small intestines
Mid to upper body muscles
Lymph circulation
Colon
Solar plexus
Uterus
Mid to Upper Back Pain
Pain in the thoracic area of the spine is often caused by muscle strain, overuse, and injury to the discs, ligaments, and muscles that surround the spine and support it. Poor posture can also cause pain in that area. It is also very common for myofascial pain to affect the connective tissue of` muscle groups and individual muscles. These problems can occur due to a variety of causes:
Slouching or slumping while standing or sitting
Getting in a car accident where the patient is lurched forward or jolted
Lifting something that is too heavy
Yard work
Getting struck or hit in the back
Playing sports
Osteoarthritis can also occur in this area. It is caused by torn cartilage brought about by the everyday wear and teas and even the simple process of aging. Fractured vertebrae can also cause back pain in the thoracic area, as can a herniated disc, and a spine that is oddly shaped or misshapen. Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can also be culprits.
Chiropractic Care for the Thoracic Spine
The goal of the chiropractor treating a patient for thoracic back pain will usually focus on reducing the pain and inflammation in the area. The treatments may include:
Spinal adjustments
Specialized exercise recommendations
Ergonomic training
Distraction
Heat or ice
Traction
Electrical stimulation
The chiropractor may also recommend nutritional supplements like proteolytic enzymes to aid in managing the swelling and pain that may be caused by disc herniation and some other back injuries. They may also recommend dietary changes or weight loss to help the patient manage their pain.
Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for mid to upper back pain. Many patients experience results immediately which is another draw for people. Most patients with back problems will be advised to maintain regular chiropractic visits to manage the pain and keep it at bay effectively.
aka Spondylodiscitis and vertebral osteomyelitis overall are relatively infrequent and may present with bimodal distribution: children and adults >50’s
Occasionally considered as two separate entities due to variations in the blood supply of pediatric vs. adult spines
Risk factors/causes: distant site of infection in the body (25-35%), e.g., oropharynx, urogenital infections, bacterial endocarditis, indwelling catheters, florid skin infections furunculosis/abscess, etc.
Iatrogenic:�operative (e.g., discectomy) interventional or diagnostic/therapeutic procedures
Penetrating trauma
Immunocompromised patients
Diabetics
Malnourished patients or patients with low protein
IV drug users
Chronic disease patients, cancer patients etc.
Potential Pathological Sequence
Clinical Presentation
Back pain with or w/o high fever and other “septic” signs. Fever may only present in 50% of children
Exacerbation of pre-existing back pain in post-surgical cases
Neurological complications in advanced cases of vertebral destruction and epidural abscess
Meningitis, septicemia etc.
Labs: Blood tests are unspecific, may or may not indicate elevated ESR/CRP, WBC
Diagnostic imaging is important but
If clinical suspicion is strong, prompt I.V. antibiotics are needed to prevent serious complications
Routes of Infection
Infection routes to the spine are similar to bone in general
3-distinct routes:
1) Hematogenous spread as bacteremia (most common)
2) Adjacent site of infection (e.g., soft tissue abscess)
3)Direct inoculation (e.g., iatrogenic or traumatic)
M/C organism Staph. Aureus
Mycobacterium TB (tuberculous spinal osteomyelitis) aka Pott’s disease can be presented in cases of re-activated or disseminated pulmonary TB
Mechanisms of Spinal Infection
May vary depending on the patients’ age
In children, the IVD receives direct blood supply and can be infected directly spreading to adjacent bone and causing spondylodiscitis
In Adults
The disc is avascular
Pathogens invade adjacent vertebral end-plates via end-arterial supply of the vertebral body that may facilitate infection due to slow, turbulent flow
Organisms may then quickly gain access to disc substance rich in nutrients (discitis) often w/o significant initially visible destruction to the bone
Thus, one of the earliest rad. findings of spinal infection or sudden reduction of disc height
Later end-plate irregularity/sclerosis may develop, subsequently affecting the entire adjacent vertebral bodies
Diagnostic Imaging
Initially, in most cases of MSK complaints, radiography is the 1st imaging step
Initially, X-radiography is often unrewarding and may appear unremarkable for 7-10 days or presents with some subtle soft tissue changes (e.g., obscuration of Psoas shadows etc.)
Some of the earliest x-ray signs of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: sudden reduction of disc height (above arrow) during initial 7-10 days
Subsequently (10-20 days) some end-plate irregularity and adjacent sclerosis may be noted
In more advanced cases, subsequent vertebral destruction and collapse may occur
N.B. Reliable feature to DDx between spinal infection and metastasis is the preservation of disc height in the latter
Note:�sudden disc narrowing with no appreciable spondylosis (above the first image) is suspicious for infection (discitis)
MRI +C is required to evaluate suspected infection
N.B. 50-60% of pyogenic spondylodiscitis occur in the lumbar region
AP & Lateral Lumbar Radiographs
Note severe disc narrowing and adjacent vertebral body destruction at L1-L2 in a 68 -y.o.-female with a known Hx of type 2 DM
Additional imaging modalities should be used to support the Dx
Final Dx: Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis
Sagittal T1 & T2 MRI
Weighted MRI slices of a patient who had laminectomy at L4
MR imaging with gad contrast is the modality of choice for Dx of spinal infection
Early septic changes affecting the disc and adjacent vertebral end-plates are readily demonstrated as a low signal on T1 and high T2/STIR d/t edema and inflammation
T1 FS +C gad images show avid enhancement of the lesion due to granulation tissue around the phlegmon. Peripheral enhancement is also characteristic of an abscess.
Epidural extension/abscess can also be successfully detected my MRI
N.B. 50% of epidural abscess cases present with neurological signs
STIR & T1 FS +C Gad Sagittal MRI
Marked septic collection and edema affecting L4-5 disc and vertebral body with some epidural extension and paraspinal soft tissue edema. Avid contrast enhancement is noted surrounding low signal foci within the bone and disc tissue, some gad. Enhancement is noted in posterior paraspinal muscles and dural spaces
Management: Dx of spondylodiscitis requires prompt I.V antibiotics. If instability and neurological complications develop referral to a Neurosurgeon is required
MRI Unavailable or Contraindicated
Bone scintigraphy is very sensitive but non-specific for spinal infection but overall is of great value d/t higher sensitivity than x-rays and relatively low cost.
An area of increased flow with radiopharmaceutical uptake is characteristic but not specific sign of spondylodiscitis
If neurological signs are present and MRI is contraindicated than CT myelography may be used
TB Osteomyelitis aka Pott’s Disease
TB osteomyelitis is increasing d/t HIV and other immunocompromised states. Extrapulmonary TB m/c affects the spine and especially the thoracic spine (60%)
Radiographic Pathology:�TB bacillus infects the vertebral body and often spreads subligamentously. “Cold” paraspinal abscess collection may develop and spreads along fascial planes, e.g., Psoas abscess. Disc spaces are preserved until v. late and skip areas are noted helping to DDx TB from pyogenic infection. Severe vertebral destruction aka Gibbus deformity may develop (>60-degree sometimes) and may become permanent. Neurologic and many regional complications may develop
Imagingapproach:�CXR with spinal x-rays 1st step that may be unrewarding but may potentially reveal VB destruction w/o disc narrowing. CT scanning is more superior than x-rays. MRI with gad C is a modality of choice
Hip fractures are characterized as any type of break in the upper region of the femur or thigh bone. The variety of broken bones generally depends on the circumstances and the force applied to the bone, where some can be more common than others. Impacted femoral neck fractures are common hip fractures which occur in many older adults in the United States.
Anatomy of Impacted Femoral Neck Fractures
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint which provides the femur the ability to bend and rotate at the pelvis. While any form of broken bones in the thigh bone or femur is considered a hip fracture, damage or injury to the socket, or acetabulum, itself is not considered a hip fracture. Below we will discuss hip fractures, particularly impacted femoral neck fractures, among others.
Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hip fractures frequently�occur due to a slip-and-fall accident or due�to a direct blow to the hip. Various health issues, including osteoporosis and stress injuries, as well as cancer, can sometimes weaken the bones and make the pelvis more vulnerable to fractures.�The neck of the femur is located under the ball of the hip joint. Impacted femoral neck fractures occur when a force presses against both ends of the femur at the femoral neck, pushing the broken ends of the bone together.
Patients with hip fractures experience symptoms of pain on the upper thigh or in the groin. They may also experience considerable discomfort with any attempt to flex or rotate the hip. In comparison to impacted femoral neck fractures, if the bone is completely broken, the leg may appear to be shorter than the non-injured leg. Also, the patient will hold the injured leg in a still position with the foot and knee turned outward in external rotation.
Diagnosis�for hip fractures commonly involves the use of x-rays of the hip, pelvis and/or femur. In several instances, if the patient experiences a slip-and-fall accident or a direct blow to the hip resulting in impacted femoral neck fractures, they may not be seen on a regular x-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, may be recommended to view some cases of hip fractures. The MRI scan will typically demonstrate any hidden hip fractures. Computed tomography, or CT, scans may also be utilized instead.
Impacted femoral neck fractures are hip injuries which occur just below the femoral head, or the ball-and-socket hip joint, where the broken ends of the bone are jammed together by the force of the injury. This area of the thigh bone, or femur, is known as the femoral neck. Treatment for impacted femoral neck fractures may include rest and physical rehabilitation. Diagnosis for impacted femoral neck fractures is important for treatment.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Treatment of Impacted Femoral Neck Fractures
Once a healthcare professional has diagnosed the patient’s hip fracture, their overall health and wellness will also be evaluated.�Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures depends on the patient’s age and on the extent of the broken bone. Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures�include bed rest for several days followed by a physical rehabilitation program.
Many femoral neck stress fractures are treated with surgery. It’s essential for the patient to talk to their doctor to discuss the best treatment option.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint composed of the head of the thigh bone, or femur,�which acts as the ball and fits into the round socket of the hip bone, or acetabulum. The neck of the femur is located under the ball of the hip joint. Stress fractures to the femoral neck can entirely or partially detach the femoral head from the rest of the femur.
Femoral neck stress fractures can be either displaced, where the bone is transferred out of its normal position, or non-displaced, where the bone remains stable. These fractures may interrupt blood flow to the portion of the broken bone. In recovery, the blood supply prevents severely displaced femoral neck stress fractures from healing correctly.
Causes and Symptoms of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
Femoral neck stress fractures can result due to: a small slip-and-fall accident or twisting of the hip in older adults, osteoporosis, a high-impact�injury, such as from an automobile accident, and�sudden strenuous physical activity or changes in physical activity in younger individuals unaccustomed to the events, including from sports injuries.�
The symptoms of femoral neck stress fractures generally include: pain and discomfort, radiating pain which extends to the knee, inability to bear weight on the affected lower extremity, shortening or sideways rotation of the leg, increased pain in the hip during the rotation of the leg, and inflammation on the side of the hip with the femoral neck stress fractures.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
A healthcare professional will diagnose femoral neck stress fractures based on the causes and symptoms of the health issue, followed by clinical evaluation. Many doctors order x-rays to diagnose femoral neck stress fractures. The doctor may also order�magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and computer tomography, or CT, scanning for a better diagnosis.
Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures depends on the patient’s age as well as on the extent of the broken bone. Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures may include�bed rest for several days followed by a physical rehabilitation program. A healthcare professional may prescribe drugs and/or medications to relieve pain, prevent blood clots and treat infection.
Many femoral neck stress fractures are treated through surgical interventions. Surgery for femoral neck stress fractures involves hip pinning if the bone is minimally displaced and the patient has�enough bone density. The surgeon performs this by making a small incision and then inserting several screws to stabilize the bones which are broken.
Hip hemiarthroplasty or partial hip replacement is utilized for displaced fractures where the surgeon will replace the�femoral head with a metal implant. The socket is not replaced in a partial hip replacement procedure. For total hip replacement, the surgeon will replace the socket of the hip joint, as well as the femoral head, with artificial metallic implants.
�
Femoral neck stress fractures are hip injuries which occur just below the femoral head, or the ball-and-socket hip joint. This area of the thigh bone, or femur, is known as the femoral neck. Femoral neck stress fractures happen when the ball is disconnected from the rest of the femur, or thigh bone. Treatment for this health issue includes rest and physical rehabilitation.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Conclusion
Femoral neck stress fractures occur�in the hip area below the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. A healthcare professional will suggest treatment based on the severity of the femoral neck stress fractures and the patient’s age.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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